Researcher, thought leader, and New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown offers a liberating study on the importance of our imperfections—both to our relationships and to our own sense of selfThe quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. There is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, … inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what and how we’re supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism and blame by seeking safety in pretending and perfection.
Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, is the leading authority on the power of vulnerability, and has inspired thousands through her top-selling books Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, and The Gifts of Imperfection, her wildly popular TEDx talks, and a PBS special. Based on seven years of her ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together.
Brown writes, “We need our lives back. It’s time to reclaim the gifts of imperfection—the courage to be real, the compassion we need to love ourselves and others, and the connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life. These are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy and joy into our lives.”
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I love that Brown’s book is based on the simple concept that our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses, yet they are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Wow! Society, media, our parents, whoever teaches us such a different message. This is a really simple, true, yet revolutionary concept that it’s time for all of us to embrace. Women especially are prone to their struggles with having to be perfect; Brown finally shows us we don’t have to be.
Informative and easily to understand explanations of the workings og our bodies. Backed up by real examples which is heartening. Inspires one to make changes.
Self Help blockbuster Should be more boxes to choose from in what I liked about this book. This book explains so much about people I know and about myself.
Loved it!
Brilliant woman. Brilliant writing. You can never go wrong reading Brene.
I think everyone needs to read and do the work on themselves. This book gave me a lot to think about and a call to action. I can not control others but I can work on my reactions to others.
I love Brene Brown! Too many ‘aha moments’ to list!
It was very well written, easy to read, and offered very helpful information.
Very easy to read book,puts things in perspective.Really enjoyed.
Read it…it’s worth it. That is if you are interested in improving your life.
This is a book everyone who wants to better understand themselves and the world around them should read.
Even though it was geared for the feminine, The last chapter was very moving and I want to hear more now.
Great book on the tragic effects of shame. It is intended for a female audience but I found it to be powerful as a man.
A must read for anyone.
Brene Brown is a genius!
As the author says, it is hard to read this book because the topic itself is so difficult. However, she has done her research so it is authentic, practical, and educating. Most of us need to read it and learn from it, because while most of us experience it, few of us understand it. Even from the second chapter I felt it change me.
The title says it all: making the journey from “What will people think of me?” to “I am enough.” Brown lays out the problem (many of us struggle with feelings of lack of self-worth), then step by step lays the pathway to learning that yes, we can always improve ourselves, but who we are in this moment is absolutely wonderful and fine. She shares anecdotal stories which helped me better understand the concepts she presents in the book. I also found this a book which I needed to read a bit at a time, in order to allow myself to think about her words and better learn from what she is sharing. I have recommended this book to friends and family.
One of my favorite authors who knows your topic. Ms. Brown bring to light a subject not spoken about often enough, shame. She makes it’s easy to understand and move beyond old patterns.